Menopausal Hair Loss: Causes and Methods to Prevent it

One of the primary concerns when dealing with menopause is the fear of hair loss. Almost every person going through menopause finds themselves dissatisfied with the state of their hair, and the loss of quality and growth that occurs during and after menopause. Hair loss can also be due to other issues such as nutritional problems. In case you notice sudden and rapid hair loss, it is best to consult your physician. Although medicines which are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor such as Fincar 5 mg can reduce hair loss, it is best to identify any underlying condition that may be affecting hair growth.

Psychological effects

Hair is an important part of an individual’s appearance and a factor that affects a person’s confidence. Although hair loss is not a life-threatening condition and is more or less limited to appearance and cosmetic issues, it can have a huge impact on someone. Considering the standards that have been set for women in society, hair loss can have extreme side effects, even leading to depression and a lack of participation in society.

Hormonal imbalance can be a result of multiple factors. It is essential to handle stress properly, or an excess of stress and anxiety can result in hormonal problems. Menopause leads to a reduction in the production of estrogen. This can result in a number of things such as frequent mood changes, feelings of anxiousness, and even depression which could fasten the process of hair loss. Medicines such as Finpecia 1 mg are used to treat hair loss directly, however, there are ways to keep stress in check by practicing yoga and indulging in various relaxation methods. Even exercising can lead to a reduction in anxiety and stress.

Why does menopause lead to hair loss?

Many people wonder why menopause leads to hair fall and hair loss. The answer is the lack of estrogen that occurs during this period of a person’s life. Hormones are the reason behind hair loss. During menopause, the body produces less estrogen and progesterone. This harms the quality of hair as these hormones are responsible for stronger and faster hair growth. Thus, when the production of progesterone and estrogen lessens, hair growth is slowed and the thickness is reduced as well.

It must be kept in mind that this is a natural process and does not imply any medical issue. There can be certain things that trigger hair loss and other medical conditions that lead to the same situation. A doctor will first rule out these alternatives to make sure that the hair loss is indeed due to menopause only. Stress, problems with diet and nutrition, or even health problems could be the reason behind hair problems. Your physician will check your medical history for prior diseases and also check for the following conditions:

  1. Anemia
  2. Thyroid problems
  3. Low ferritin
  4. A rise in testosterone level
  5. Skin related disorders

Any sign of hormonal imbalance like the growth of facial hair, irregular menstruation, and acne will also be tested for.

Dietary and lifestyle changes

There are certain ways to ensure that hair remains healthy and lustrous even after menopause. Vitamin C is an important component that must be a part of your diet. It can be useful in maintaining healthy hair. Most importantly, it can also lead to hair growth after hair loss. This is why ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is commonly used in shampoos. It can lead to the hair absorbing more moisture, thus leading to healthier hair with more consistent growth.

Another essential component of hair growth is keratin. It is a protein that is not available in food but is produced in the human body upon the consumption of some specific foods. The production of keratin, which is responsible for building hair, is dependent upon how much protein is in a person’s diet. Not enough protein in your meals would lead to poorer hair growth. Protein in your diet thus becomes especially important during menopause. Eating food items that are rich in amino acids is also recommended. These are beans, eggs, milk, fish, red meat as well as vegetables which have high protein content.

Needless to say, it is equally important to hydrate properly. Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks and simply drink as much water as you can throughout the day. Every person needs a different amount of daily water consumption depending on their body composition and daily activities. Remind yourself to drink water at regular intervals throughout the day to remain thoroughly hydrated.

Conclusion

Make sure to check that any other medication that you are currently consuming does not have a side effect that leads to hair loss. In this case, consult your doctor for alternate medications. Additionally, hair are necessary to prevent damage to our scalp by sunlight. In case any bald spots occur in your scalp, protect those areas from further sun damage or sunburns.

In most cases, hair loss due to menopause is a temporary phenomenon as the body readjusts to a newer hormonal make-up. Over time, hair loss tends to slow down.